Seika Tanden

The tanden is key in Chinese medicine, Qigong, Tai Chi, Martial Arts and Zen Meditation.  It can be literally translated as the “Field of Elixir” and is seen as a source of "life force" or energy.  Similar to chakras in yoga, there are several tanden, the seika tanden, or lowest, being located just below the navel in the abdominal muscles.

It is the center point of the physical body, and plays an essential role in movement and balance. It has also been identified as a part of a network involving the brain and nervous system that regulates our wakefulness cycle, enabling us, therefore, through breathing and tensing, to have some control over the process of consciousness itself.

But how to find this seika tanden and use it in karate?  First, you must be aware of the tanden in the lower abdomen. Push in your finger a few inches below your navel and tense and release the muscle you feel.  Another technique is to tie your belt tightly across the abdomen, so you can feel the pressure of the belt against you as you tense and release the tanden during training.

Next, try to be aware of tanden at all times, when walking and sitting in daily life.  Experiment with tension and release and focus on that point as much as possible every day in your daily activities. You may also find an increase in your ability to control emotions and nervousness, and a general centering of one’s self occurs.